Powers’ Attitude Towards Czechs

Northern Advocate, 26 May 1938, Page 7

Powers’ Attitude Towards Czechs

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 25. The Australian Associated Press says that 'all the High Commissioners conferred with Viscount Halifax and Lord Stanley for two hours. Lord ' Halifax gave a general survey of the international situation, but the Czechoslovakian crisis dominated the discussion, to which the Dominion representatives frequently 'contributed. The Foreign Secretary outlined the latest confidential despatches received from the British Minister at Prague, and also explained the situation as seen by Cabinet, which met in the morning. It is gathered that Lord Halifax made it clear that Britain’s policy remains Identical with Mr Chamberlain’s pronouncement in the House of Commons on Tuesday, when he declared that Britain might not remain indifferent to a Central European up- , heaval. Danger Not Over. It is understood that the danger in Czechoslokakia' is not over, and that a considerable improvement is needed before a diminution of anxiety is possible. It appears that while Britain and France succeeded in easing the tension, neither they nor Dr. Hodza, or Herr Henlein, so far have achieved a basis of negotiation. . It transpires that the Czechs called up only one class of the, service to keep order, and at present there is no desire to demobilise. Moreover, "Czechoslovakia is not enthusiastic at having neutral observers in her territory. . The Czechs' also oppose full concessions to Herr Henlein, claiming that it would be tantamount to the country being governed by a minority. , A Reckless Mood, Meantime, Germany again appears to be in a reckless mood, as evidenced by bitter Press attacks oh Britain. A Berlin message states that Herr ' von Ribbentrop, Foreign Minister, has ordered the German Minister at Prague sharply to protest (against the alleged crossing of the frontier by Czech aeroplanes, the occupants of which, it is alleged, were engaged in observing German territory.